Apples

September 21, 2011 | marianne

The arrival of fall also means the arrival of apples! Whether they're baked into a pie, dipped in caramel, pressed into cider, or simply enjoyed plain, apples are always a wonderful autumn treat. Why not read some stories about apples, too? Listed below are some easy books all about this fabulous fruit. You can find them in the Readers section in the Children's Department.

Ten apples up on top! by Theo. leSieg; illustrated by Roy McKie

Big red apple by Tony Johnston; illustrated by Judith Hoffman Corwin

Easy as apple pie by Karen Gray Ruelle

The apple thief by Gail Herman; illustrated by Duendes del Sur

Baby Sign Language

August 17, 2011 | marianne

Many parents teach signs to their young children before they are able to speak. If you'd like to try signing with your baby, we have materials that can help you get started. Below are some suggested books and DVDs that can be found in the Parenting section in the Children's Department.

Baby sign language basics: early communication for hearing babies and toddlers by Monta Z. Briant

Baby signing: how to talk with your baby in American sign language by Andrea Fixell and Ted Stafford

Baby sign language for hearing babies by Karyn Warburton

Baby talk: a guide to using basic sign language to communicate with your baby by Monica Beyer; with a foreword by Alan Greene

School

August 17, 2011 | marianne

Enjoy some easy-to-read stories to get yourself ready to go back to school. Listed below are some of our newer arrivals. You can read them to yourself, or share with a school buddy. Happy reading!

Katie and the class pet by Fran Manushkin; illustrated by Tammie Lyon

The Smurfs: off to school! by Peyo

Class picture day by written by Margaret McNamara; illustrated by Mike Gordon

Splendid speller by Jane O'Connor; cover illustration by Robin Preiss Glasser; interior illustrations by Ted Enik

It's the 100th day, Stinky Face! by Lisa McCourt; illustrated by Cyd Moore

Summer Bridge and Other Activities

July 18, 2011 | marianne

Parents, are you looking for materials to make sure your kids don't lose important skills over the summer? Check out our books of Summer Bridge Activities for preschool through sixth grade. You can also check out the Spectrum Series for test prep that covers math, language, social studies, and science. And don't forget about the Summer Smarts series that will help your kids review what they've already learned, and get them ready for what's to come in the fall. You can find all these books in the Parenting section in the Children's Department.

Readers

July 18, 2011 | marianne

Keep your eyes on the New Book Shelf in the Children's Department for new readers. We have new easy-to-read arrivals for all tastes! Whether it's Elephant and Piggie, Martha Speaks, Superman, or Little Critter, you're sure to find something you love. Check out some of the new reader selections listed below.

Martha camps out by adaptation by Karen Barss; based on a TV series teleplay written by Melissa Stephenson and Raye Lankford

A green, green garden by Mercer Mayer

I broke my trunk! by Mo Willems

Superman: Superman versus Mongul by Michael Teitelbaum, MADA Design; [edited by] David Linker

Summer Reads

June 7, 2011 | marianne

It's hot outside! Kids, enjoy some books about how others beat the heat. If you want to cool off, chill out and read a book at the library — we have air conditioning! Here are some hot summery picture books and easy reader books. Keep cool, and don't forget your sunscreen!

Amanda Pig and the really hot day by Jean Van Leeuwen; pictures by Ann Schweninger

Hot dog by Molly Coxe

Clifford keeps cool by Norman Bridwell

One hot summer day by Nina Crews

Think cool thoughts by Elizabeth Perry; illustrated by Linda Bronson

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